Why are Blanchard Caverns closed?
All caves and mines on National Forest lands except for Blanchard Springs Caverns are closed to the public to prevent and slow the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a condition that is killing hundreds of thousands of bats throughout the northeastern United States and recently confirmed in Arkansas.
What is interesting about Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a Living Cave in that it is constantly changing and growing. Three guided tours of varying intensity are led by Forest Service Guides. Tour highlights include water-carved passages, an underground river, and the world’s largest flowstone.
What town is Blanchard Springs Caverns in?
Blanchard Springs Caverns
| Blanchard Springs Cavern | |
|---|---|
| Location | Stone County, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Fifty-Six |
| Coordinates | 35°57′49.26″N 92°10′45.58″WCoordinates: 35°57′49.26″N 92°10′45.58″W |
| Governing body | United States Forest Service |
When did Blanchard Springs Caverns open?
1973
Blanchard Springs Caverns opened to the public in 1973 with the Dripstone Trail Tour after ten years of planning and development. The Dripstone Tour starts by riding an elevator 216 feet below ground and lasts around one hour.
How much does it cost to tour Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Prices to view the cavern vary by age and time of year between $0 and $12 for regular tours and $85 for the Wild Cave Tour. Group rates are available. The site’s Visitor Center is equipped with a gift shop, exhibit hall, displays and accessible toilets, as well as information about the surrounding area.
How old is Blanchard Springs Caverns?
Blanchard Springs Caverns opened to the public in 1973 with the Dripstone Trail Tour after ten years of planning and development.
How was Blanchard Springs Cavern formed?
The Blanchard Springs Caverns in Stone County were formed over many millions of years as rainwater drained through the limestone — dissolving it. Once the water table dropped below the level of the cave, the decoration of the cave began as mineral calcite was deposited, drop by drop.
How was Blanchard Springs Caverns discovered?
In 1971, scuba divers entered through the spring entrance and followed its course. The divers followed 4,000 feet of underwater passages and also mapped five caverns filled with air but inaccessible at that time. They photographed the awesome cave formations and noted forms of cave life.